Americans' trust in the food safety net is spoiling
Summary
Americans’ trust in the safety of food in grocery stores and in the federal government’s ability to regulate food safety has dropped to record low levels, according to a new Gallup poll. Confidence has declined mostly among Democrats and independents, while Republicans’ trust has increased during President Donald Trump’s current administration.Key Facts
- Only 47% of U.S. adults have a great deal or fair amount of confidence in the federal government to ensure food safety, the lowest in two decades.
- Confidence in grocery store food safety fell to 65% in 2026 from 81% in 2019.
- Democrats’ confidence in the federal government’s food safety role dropped from nearly 75% in 2024 to 30% in 2026.
- Republicans’ confidence in the government’s food safety role rose from 50% in 2024 to 70% in 2026.
- The decline in trust followed a Cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce causing illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths across 21 states.
- The outbreak ended after the federal government traced it to Taylor Farms, a supplier of iceberg lettuce.
- Multiple food recalls and FDA investigations occurred over the summer amid administration budget cuts to public health infrastructure.
- Grocery prices for food at home rose by 2.2% between August 2025 and 2026, adding to Americans’ concerns about affording groceries.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
